Playing > Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

The Byelaws provide the rules and regulations of the game of shinty.

Rules of Play and Playing Season

Byelaw 1 provides details on the layout of the pitch, the number of players, the ball and other equipment, referees and other officials, duration of the game, throw ups, scoring, fouls and offences, offside, corners, hit-ins, penaltys’ and sets out the length of a normal season.

Rules of Camanachd Cup

Byelaw 2 details the rules of this competition and also forms the template for other competitions unless there are specified differences.

Competition Regulations and Procedures

Byelaw 3 sets out the rules of how competitions are run by the Camanachd Association. It includes details relating to postponements, abandonment of matches, re-scheduling, what happens if a match isn’t played (other than related to a postponement), use of team lines, protests and current rules around the transfer of players.

It also covers semi-finals, replays, extra time, penalty play offs, eligibility for competitions and rules for promotion and relegation in league competitions.

Competition for children and young people

Byelaw4 provides details relating to shinty for younger players. It includes a definition of child or young person, information on the wearing of helmets, variations in relation to the competition rules for youth shinty (including Under 12 6 a side, Under 14 9 a side, Under 14 12 a side) and eligibility to enter the different youth competitions.